Research Methods Simplified, IV, DV, ect. (UNIT 1)

Experiment

A study where researchers change one thing to see the effect on another.

• How to spot it: Look for a study where something is intentionally manipulated.

Correlation

Shows how two variables relate but doesn’t prove cause and effect.

• Spot it: Look for phrases like “related,” “linked,” or “associated.”

Survey

Asking people questions to gather opinions or behaviors.

• Spot it: Usually mentions questionnaires or interviews.

Case Study

In-depth study of one person or group.

• Spot it: Focus on a single person, family, or small group.

Naturalistic Observation

Watching behavior in a natural setting without interfering.

• Spot it: Researchers observe people/animals in real-life environments.

Independent Variable (IV)

• The thing the researcher changes or manipulates.

  • Spot it: Look for what the researcher is testing or controlling.

Dependent Variable (DV)

• The thing the researcher measures to see the effect.

  • Spot it: Look for the outcome or result.

Confounding Variables

•  Extra factors that might affect the results besides the IV.

  • Spot it: Anything else that could influence the outcome besides the IV.

Operational Definition

Definition: Explains exactly how a variable is measured or manipulated in a study.

How to Spot It:

• Look for exact, measurable descriptions of what’s being studied.

• Usually appears in phrases like:

  • “Defined as ___”

  • “Measured by ___”

  • “Operationalized as ___”

• Examples in questions:

  • Happiness → “number of smiles per hour”

  • Stress → “score on a 10-point stress questionnaire”

  • Sleep → “hours of sleep recorded using a sleep tracker”

✅ Tip: If the question describes how the researchers actually observe or record the variable, that’s the operational definition.

Random Assignment

• Participants are put into groups by chance to avoid bias.

  • Spot it: Look for phrases like “randomly assigned.”

Control Group

• The group that doesn’t get the treatment; used for comparison.

  • Spot it: Usually described as “no intervention” or “placebo.”

Placebo

• A fake treatment that looks real to participants.

  • Spot it: “Sugar pill” or “fake treatment” in drug studies.

 Informed Consent

Definition: Participants know what the study involves and agree to participate.

• Spot it: Look for participants signing forms, agreeing, or being told what will happen.

Confidentiality

Definition: Participants’ information is kept private.

• Spot it: Researchers hide names, initials, or other personal details.

 Debriefing

Definition: After the study, participants are told the true purpose and results.

• Spot it: Look for phrases like “researchers explain the study afterward” or “participants are told what the experiment really tested.”
  

Protection from Harm

Definition: Participants should not experience physical or psychological damage.

• Spot it: Look for questions mentioning stress, fear, or safety, and check if the study prevents or minimizes it.

Right to Withdraw

Definition: Participants can leave the study at any time without penalty.

• Spot it: Look for participants choosing to stop or being told they can leave.

Minimal Deception

Definition: If deception is used, it must not cause harm and participants must be fully informed afterward.

• Spot it: Look for questions mentioning lying about the purpose of the study or misleading instructions, usually paired with debriefing.

“Survey”

• correlational

“Randomly assigned”

experimental